Wisconsin Hunting Seasons 2025-2026 – Game Units, Equipment Laws & Tags
Wisconsin has world-class hunting, from the Driftless Area’s trophy ridges to the Northwoods’ whitetail havens. You just have to know how to work its rhythms. This isn’t just a calendar of dates; it’s your key to Wisconsin’s best seasons, zones, and strategies.
Why This Guide Beats the Rest:
• Zone-by-Zone Breakdowns: Crack the code on Wisconsin’s 130+ DMUs and find your new honey hole
• Species-Specific Intel: From rutting bucks to migrating waterfowl patterns
• License Hacks: Save money with bundle deals and understand new non-resident rules
• 2025 Updates: Critical changes to bear tags, antlerless quotas, and public land access
We’ve turned Wisconsin’s complicated rules into your winning game plan, whether you’re hunting big bucks in Buffalo County, calling turkeys in the Chequamegon-Nicolet, or setting diver duck spreads on Lake Michigan. The woods are waiting. This season, hunt smarter.
At a Glance: Key Wisconsin Game Seasons for 2025
| Species | Season Opens | Season Closes | Method | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🦌 Whitetail (Archery) | Sept. 13 | Jan. 4, 2026 | Bow/Crossbow | Extended zones until Jan. 31 |
| 🦌 Whitetail (Gun) | Nov. 22 | Nov. 30 | Firearm | 9-day season |
| 🐻 Black Bear | Sept. 3 | Oct. 7 | Various | Zone dependent |
| 🦃 Turkey (Spring) | April 16 | May 27 | Shotgun/Bow | Six periods |
| 🦆 Ducks (North Zone) | Sept. 27 | Nov. 25 | Shotgun | Zone dependent |
| 🐰 Cottontail | Sept. 13 | Feb. 28, 2026 | Various | Zone dependent |
All Big Game: Archery & Rifle Adventures
🦌 Whitetail Deer – The Crown Jewel
Archery & Crossbow Season
- Statewide: September 13 – January 4, 2026
- Metro & Extended Counties: September 13 – January 31, 2026 🎯
- No antlered bucks during antlerless-only periods
Youth Deer Hunt
- October 11-12, 2025
- Great introduction for young outdoors enthusiasts
Gun Season
- November 22-30, 2025
- Wisconsin’s most anticipated nine days
Muzzleloader Season
- December 1-10, 2025
- Traditional firearm challenge
Special Antlerless Opportunities
- December 4-Day Hunt: December 11-14
- Holiday Hunt (select counties): December 24 – January 1, 2026
🐻 Black Bear Opportunities
Application deadline: December 10 (previous year) 🎟️
Dog Training Zones (A, B, D)
- September 3-9: Dogs only
- September 10-30: Dogs, bait, all legal methods
- October 1-7: Bait and other methods (no dogs)
No-Dog Zones (C, E, F)
- September 3 – October 7: Bait and all legal methods
🦌 Elk Adventures
While elk licenses are awarded through a competitive drawing system, Wisconsin’s expanding herds offer exciting opportunities. The 2025 application period ran from March 1 through May 31, with both antlered and antlerless options available in designated ranges.
Turkey Season: Spring & Fall Pursuits
🦃 Spring Gobbler Action
Application deadline: December 10 🎟️
Youth Hunt: April 12-13, 2025
Regular Periods:
- Period A: April 16-22
- Period B: April 23-29
- Period C: April 30 – May 6
- Period D: May 7-13
- Period E: May 14-20
- Period F: May 21-27
Fall Turkey Opportunities
- Statewide: September 13 – November 21
- Zones 1-5: November 22 – January 4, 2026
Furbearer Seasons & Trapping
Bobcat Permits 🐱
Application deadline: August 1
- Both Zones, Period 1: October 18 – December 25
- Both Zones, Period 2: December 26 – January 31, 2026
Otter Adventures
- North Zone: November 1 – April 30, 2026
- South Zone: November 1 – March 31, 2026
Beaver Opportunities
- Zones A & B: November 1 – April 30, 2026
- Zone C: November 1 – March 31, 2026
- Zone D (Mississippi River): December 8 – March 15, 2026
Mink & Muskrat
- Northern Zone: October 18 – April 15, 2026
- Central Zone: October 25 – March 22, 2026
- Southern Zone: November 1 – March 15, 2026
- Mississippi River Zone: November 10 – March 8, 2026
Upland Birds: Classic Pursuits
🐦 Ring-necked Pheasant
- Statewide: October 18 (9 a.m.) – January 4, 2026
- Wisconsin’s classic upland experience
Ruffed Grouse
- Zone A: September 13 – January 4, 2026
- Zone B: October 18 – December 8
Hungarian Partridge
- Statewide: October 18 (9 a.m.) – January 4, 2026
- Closed in Clark, Marathon, and Taylor counties
Upland Animals & Small Game
| Species | Season Dates | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🐰 Cottontail (North) | Sept. 13 – Feb. 28, 2026 | Zone dependent |
| 🐰 Cottontail (South) | Oct. 18 (9 a.m.) – Feb. 28, 2026 | Opens later |
| 🐿️ Squirrels | Sept. 13 – Feb. 28, 2026 | Gray and fox species |
| 🐦 Bobwhite Quail | Oct. 18 (9 a.m.) – Dec. 10 | Shorter season |
| 🐦 Crow | Nov. 22 – March 25, 2026 | Extended opportunity |
Milwaukee County Special: Cottontail available year-round
Other Small Game Adventures
Sharp-tailed Grouse
- 2025 season currently under review
- Check current regulations for updates
Unlimited Species
Opossums, skunks, weasels, porcupines, snowshoe hares, and woodchucks have no closed season but require proper licensing.
Migratory Birds: Waterfowl & More
Early Opportunities
- Teal Season: September 1-9 🦆
- Early Goose: September 1-15
- Mourning Dove: September 1 – November 29
Classic Waterfowl
- Rail & Snipe: September 1 – November 9
- Woodcock: September 20 – November 3
- Youth Waterfowl: September 20-21
Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers & Geese
Duck Zones & Dates
- Northern Duck Zone: September 27 – November 25
- Southern Duck Zone: October 4-12 and October 18 – December 7
- Open Water Zone: October 18 – December 16
Goose Opportunities 🪿
- Northern Zone: September 16 – December 16
- Southern & Mississippi Zones: September 16 – October 12, October 18 – December 7, December 20 – January 2, 2026
Other Waterfowl Species
Coots
Follow the same schedule as duck zones in your area
Common Gallinule
September 1 – November 9
More Game: Additional Opportunities
Falconry Seasons
Special extended opportunities for licensed falconers with specific bag limits and extended timeframes for various species.
Special Youth Opportunities
Wisconsin prioritizes introducing young people to outdoor traditions with dedicated youth-only periods for deer, waterfowl, and turkey.
Additional Field Opportunities
Wisconsin offers specialized seasons for several other species:
- Bobwhite Quail: October 18 – December 10, 2025
- Snipe: September 1 – November 9, 2025
- Woodcock: September 20 – November 3, 2025
- Mourning Dove: September 1 – November 9, 2025
- Rails: September 1 – November 9, 2025
Wisconsin Hunting Zone Map 🗺️
The Wisconsin DNR provides detailed maps of management zones for all game species. These maps are essential for planning your expedition and understanding boundary restrictions. You can access current zone maps on the Wisconsin DNR website or at license vendors statewide.
License Requirements & Fees 🎟️
Wisconsin offers several license options to match your specific interests:
- Resident Hunting License: $24
- Junior Hunting License (ages 12-17): $9
- Non-resident Hunting License: $160
- Non-resident 5-day Small Game: $55
- Conservation Patron License (includes most privileges): $165 resident/$600 non-resident
Additional harvest authorizations may be required for specific species, including deer antlerless tags ($12 resident/$20 non-resident), turkey permits, and special permits for fisher, bobcat, and otter.
First-time license buyers born after January 1, 1973, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license, though supervised hunting programs offer alternatives for newcomers.
Frequently Asked Questions 🤔
Q: Can I hunt on public lands in Wisconsin?
A: Yes, Wisconsin offers approximately 7 million acres of public access land through state forests, wildlife areas, county forests, and Managed Forest Law program. The DNR provides maps of these areas online.
Q: Are there night hunting opportunities?
A: Yes, raccoon, fox, and coyote can be pursued after hours during their respective seasons, though specific regulations apply regarding lighting equipment and hunting near dwellings.
Q: How do I apply for a preference point for species with limited tags?
A: Applications for bear and other preference-based systems typically open in March, with a deadline of August 1st. You can apply through the DNR’s GoWild system.
Q: What happens if I don’t use my turkey tag during my assigned period?
A: Spring turkey tags are period-specific and expire when that period ends. Fall tags are valid throughout the entire fall season regardless of when purchased.
Related Resources 🔗
Looking for more information? Check out these helpful pages:
- Michigan Hunting Seasons
- Minnesota Hunting Seasons
- Iowa Hunting Seasons
Get Ready for Your Wisconsin Adventure
Wisconsin’s diverse landscape offers exceptional field experiences for enthusiasts of all skill levels. From the northern forests teeming with grouse to the agricultural central regions perfect for whitetail, the Badger State truly has something for everyone. Remember to thoroughly review specific zone regulations before heading out, as management strategies can vary significantly across regions.
Always verify current regulations with the official Wisconsin DNR resources, as emergency rules or legislative changes can occasionally modify published dates. Invest time in scouting your preferred areas, secure necessary permissions for private land access, and prepare your equipment well before opening day.
We wish you a safe, ethical, and memorable experience in Wisconsin’s magnificent outdoors this season!
